There are quite a few options for hair removal, from waxing to threading and shaving to tweezing. However, laser hair removal provides a more permanent solution to getting rid of unwanted body hair to the root of the problem. 

Laser treatment is a medical procedure and precision work that targets each hair follicle individually. It helps remove unwanted hair from the face, leg, chin, back, arm, underarm and, bikini line. However, it is possible to treat excess hair in nearly any area, except the eyelid or around the eye area.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work? 

Laser hair removal is based on the principle of “selective photothermolysis.” During laser hair removal, a laser set at a designated wavelength emits a concentrated light absorbed by the pigment (melanin) contained within the hair, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. Then the energy from the light beam is converted to heat and carries through the hair shaft and into the hair bulb itself, damaging and killing the dermal papilla, which is responsible for feeding the hair bulb and regenerating the hair. This damage stops or slows down future hair growth.

Did you know that follicles grow in repeated cycles, and each cycle has three different stages? 

Laser Hair Removal & Hair Growth Cycle 

  • Wear Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ & Reapply: It is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the exposed area any time you are in the sun (or even indoors during the day). Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Sun Protection Factor- SPF measures how well a sunscreen will shield skin from UV B rays which cause sunburns and skin cancers. As the SPF value rises, sunburn protection increases. An SPF 30 provides 30 times the protection of no sunscreen. This means 30 times longer before you start to burn of 300-minute protection. Experts recommend reapplying after 300 minutes of heavy sweat and swimming.

  • Gentle Exfoliation: Sweating and regular sunscreen application can lead to clogged pores. That’s where gentle exfoliation comes in. Gentle exfoliation can slough away dead skin cells safely yet effectively, and reveal a fresh skin layer underneath, refining pores, in turn, preventing blemishes. But it is best to avoid exfoliating sunburnt areas and leave them for healing naturally. Exfoliate the skin twice a week, maximum, including the lips.

  • Keep Moisturizing: As the weather gets warmer, skin tends to produce more sebum, but your skin can still dry out in the summer. Therefore, avoid heavy cream with more oils & butter and opt for a thin gel-based (for dry skin) and water-based (oily skin) moisturizer. Don’t forget the lips. Your lips also need full attention as sunburnt, dry lips are a fact of summer’s wrath. However, luscious healthy lips can be preserved by regularly applying a hydrating lip balm -regardless of the season. Also, moisturize your body, hand, and feet as well. You can pick a non-greasy formula based on your skin type.

  • Boost Your Skin Protection with Antioxidants: Antioxidants including vitamin C and E fend off free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. And most antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects of soothing stressed skin. Use serum and moisturizers with these ingredients to promote your skin’s protection against external aggressors like harsh sunlight and pollutants. Retinol can be added to your nighttime routine. This vitamin A derivative- the gold standard of antiaging skincare- helps defy the signs of photoaging, boosts collagen production, and softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Add Depigmenting Compounds To your Routine: Incorporate products containing niacinamide, arbutin, or azelaic acid to prevent skin tanning and trigger pigmentary conditions like melasma. Consult a dermatologist to learn what works best for your skin condition.

  • Cleanser To Wash off Sweating: When it is hot, skin gets oilier and sweatier. You may feel the need to cleanse or shower constantly. Regardless of seasons, dermatologists advise against constant washing because it harms the natural moisture barrier. They recommend washing your face twice a day, morning & night, and per shower a day. Use a deep cleanser suited to your skin type to cleanse and remove all the dirt and grime. People with dry and sensitive skin need a non-foaming gentle, alcohol-free, and pH-balanced cleanser. 

  • Minimal Makeup: Summer heat and humidity affect the skin’s ability to breathe. Heavy makeup limits the skin from breathing further. Instead of heavy makeup, apply minimal makeup like tinted lip balm and tinted formulas like BB and CC creams with SPF. 

  • Visit Your Dermatologist: It is a good time for dermatological procedures like medi-facials, chemical peels, and mesotherapy to avoid summer-induced skin damage such as photoaging, worsened pigmentation, and acne flareups.

In addition to the above eight steps of summertime skincare makeover, experts advise drinking plenty of water to hydrate the skin inside out and adding vegetables and fruits to your diet. They also suggest wearing sun-protective accessories and clothes and weather-friendly breathable fabrics.